Astin ??? actor, director, voice artist and producer ??? is, of course, best known to Tolkien fans as Sam Gamgee in Peter Jackson???s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, but has also made his mark in a career spanning more than 70 films roles, including The Goonies, Toy Soldiers, 50 First Dates and as the indomitable, never-say-die working class hero of Rudy. (more???)